Location
Hertfordshire (Countywide)

Hours
37 hours per week

Salary
£34,433 progressing to £37,280 per annum (pro rata for part time)

About the Role
Are you passionate about protecting and enhancing the natural environment? Would you like to play a key role in shaping the future of biodiversity and placemaking across Hertfordshire? We are seeking an experienced Ecologist to join our friendly and knowledgeable LEADS team (Landscape, Ecology, Archaeology, Development & Sustainability). This is a fantastic opportunity to influence planning and development decisions, ensuring ecological considerations are embedded at every stage.

As an Ecology Adviser, you will provide expert advice to Hertfordshire’s planning authorities and developers, helping to ensure that biodiversity, habitat protection, and ecological enhancement are central to planning decisions. Your responsibilities will include reviewing planning applications and local plans to assess ecological impacts; supporting the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain and helping to deliver the Local Nature Recovery Strategy; advising on site surveys, mitigation strategies, and opportunities for ecological enhancement; collaborating with planners, developers, and designers to promote nature-positive outcomes; representing the natural environment in policy-making, master planning, and placemaking discussions; and engaging with local and national networks including ALGE and CIEEM.

This is an exciting time to join us, as new legislation and strategies are raising the profile of ecology in national and planning government. You will have the opportunity to influence real change and contribute to a greener, more sustainable Hertfordshire.

Experience
- At least 18 months in a professional ecological advisory role.
- Experience and familiarity with habitat assessments, surveying, and reporting.
- Strong understanding of UK environmental legislation, planning policy, and protected species.
- Knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain, Local Nature Recovery Strategies, and protected species legislation.
- Comfortable working across teams and organisations to deliver shared goals.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Full UK driving licence.

About you
- Passionate about promoting the value of the natural environment in planning and development.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to speak confidently to a range of audiences.
- Ability to negotiate and take a pragmatic approach to ecological outcomes.

Qualifications
- Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in ecology or a related field.

Desirable
- Postgraduate qualification in ecology, biology, or environmental planning.
- Experience with GIS and ecological data analysis.
- Familiarity with biological recording networks and stakeholder organisations (e.g. Natural England, Environment Agency).
- Understanding of how nature and culture intersect in placemaking and policy.
- Working knowledge of the planning system.
- Evidence of relevant conservation and/or habitat management experience.